Political parties, social groups pledge peace

CUTTING ACROSS political and religious lines, leaders of political parties and social organisations on Tuesday advocated strong action, against those responsible for instigating communal violence in the City and pledged their support to administration’s efforts.

It was also mooted to establish area wise permanent peace committees with members who were held in high regard by a cross section of society. All those present pledged to return to their respective areas and work to bring about normalcy.

These were some of the unanimous suggestions given by leaders at a meeting at Residency Kothi where district in-charge minister Himmat Kothari and State Energy and PWD Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya were present.

The meeting called in the wake of curfew being clamped in seven police stations of the City last night, lasted over two hours to discuss ways to maintain peace. PWD and Energy Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya: It was shock when I learnt that curfew had been declared in the City. If all of us decided here, then no one can disturb peace of the City. We should all strive for peace as it affects prospective investment and also the common man on the street, who gets to eat only when he works.

Congress City president Pramod Tandon: Only one per cent people are behind disturbing peace in the City, the rest want peace. Take strict action against these elements, and there should be no compromise. All sections of society should feel secure.

Only areas with mixed population were affected, and there should be peace committees in all these areas. BJP MLA from Indore 5 Mahendra Hardia: Outsiders have entered the City to destroy the peace and strict action should be taken against them. We should help administration identify such elements. Thorough search operation should be launched and there should be no discrimination while taking action.

Congress leader Tulsi Silawat: Incidents in Indore have an impact throughout the State. People do not respect the law and strong action should be taken against those behind the violence, irrespective of party affiliations. However, care should be taken to ensure that innocent persons who have been arrested are released.

Ayaz Baig, Independent Corporator, Bombay Bazaar Area: Bombay Bazaar is being unnecessarily blamed every time there is communal tension and violence in City. The trouble starts from Narsingh Bazaar and Lodhipura area and we are victims of the violence.

BJP leader Sudarshan Gupta: We should go into the root cause of all such incidents. Of late, a large number of Hindu girls are being lured by Muslim boys. (He was told to stop and sit down by senior party leaders including Kailash Vijayvargiya.)

Daulatganj Ekta Panchayat: The formula of Daulatganj Ekta Panchayat should be adopted and meetings should be held by leaders at the place where there has been violence.

Leftist leader Vasant Shintre: The administration is working under pressure and this should stop.

Congress leader Lalit Jain: We should delve into why such incidents are occurring repeatedly, we should go to the root of the problem and only then there will there be peace. Action should be taken against guilty, but the innocent should be released immediately.

BJP MLA from Indore 4 Laxman Singh Gaur: The City is developing and such incidents affect development. I did my best to maintain peace in my area on Monday. The trouble started when a large number of people from Bombay Bazaar area descended at Narsingh Bazaar crossing. Leaders should decide that there will be no problem, and should not be the ones inciting the trouble.

Leaders of both communities should tour the affected areas to instill confidence. Former BJP MLA Gopi Krishna Nema: We are still suspicious of each other and this is reflected in our guarded speeches. We should go above party considerations in such matters, and also should be restrained in our reactions.

Noor Mohammad Qureshi of Abhyas Mandal: The burning issues of Karbala and Ghanghor Ghat should be solved immediately. The historic evidence of the Hanuman Chabutra and Nag temple should be ascertained and the matter settled once for all. Congress leader Abdul Rauf: A poojari should be appointed at Ghangaur Ghat for daily prayers.

Muslim Community leader Inayat Hussain: Police are working under pressure from the government. Action should be taken against satorias, who have big role in all the trouble.

BJP leader Babu Khan: It is a conspiracy to malign the BJP government. Muslim community leader Khurasan Pathan: Many innocent persons have been arrested. They should be released.